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China Snow Town Location: Southeast of Harbin (With Harbin to China Snow Town Map)
First, let's get our bearings. China Snow Town, officially known as the Shuangfeng Forest Farm, is located in a mountain valley about 315 kilometers (196 miles) southeast of Harbin.The exact location is in Hailin City, under Mudanjiang administration.
Why is the location special? The mountains trap cold air and moisture. This creates perfect snow conditions. Snow starts falling in October. It stays until April. The village gets snow for seven months each year. Snow can pile up to 2 meters deep.
China Snow Town Map: Tourist Map of Xuexiang Near Harbin
How to Pick Your Harbin to China Snow Town Transportation: 3 Options Comparation
| Transport Option | Approx. Travel Time | Approx. Cost (USD) | Recommendation Index | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Car | 5 - 6 h | $150 - $250 (per car) | ★★★★★ (Best for families & first-timers) | Expensive |
| Tourist Bus | 6 - 7 h | ~$20 (per person) | ★★★★☆ (Best for budget backpackers) | Basic comfort |
| Train + Transfer | 4 - 5 h | $90 - $120 (total) | ★★★☆☆ (Best for those who dislike long car rides) | Requires a transfer |
Private car costs the most but offers maximum comfort. Perfect for families with kids or elderly travelers.
Direct bus saves money but takes longer. Good for budget travelers. No transfers needed.
Train plus bus gets you there fastest. Requires one transfer at Yabuli. Best for solo travelers who want speed. More complex but very efficient.
Consider your group size too. Private cars make sense for groups of 3-4 people. The per-person cost becomes reasonable.
Harbin to China Snow Town: Private Car (Best Choice for First Timer)
If you want the easiest, most comfortable, and most stress-free journey, booking a private car is your best bet. This is the option we recommend for most first-time visitors, families with children, or anyone carrying lots of luggage and camera gear.
The journey takes 4-5 hours depending on road conditions. Cost ranges from 800-1200 RMB per car. Cars fit 4 passengers comfortably. Split between four people, it's quite affordable.
Of course, that's in a perfect world. In reality, while you can find chartered car services on this popular route, many are run by private individuals. This is the biggest downside to this option.
If you still want to go with a private car, we highly recommend using a well-known travel agency, such as Asia Odyssey Travel. Contact us Now!
Harbin to China Snow Town by Bus: Budget & Direct Way
The direct bus from Harbin to China Snow Town is a top choice for backpackers and independent travelers. It's also the most budget-friendly option, with tickets costing around 120 RMB (about $17 USD) per person.
There are two main buses that travel directly from Harbin to Snow Town each day. The route includes stops at Central Avenue, Songhua River Ropeway, Yabuli West Station, Yabuli Culture Post Office, and Erlanghe Village before arriving in Snow Town.
Office, and Erlanghe Village before arriving in Snow Town.
| Stop | Shuttle Bus Schedule | Shuttle Bus Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Central Avenue | 6:30 AM | 8:30 AM |
| Songhua River Ropeway | 7:00 AM | 9:00 AM |
| Yabuli West Station | 9:10 AM | 11:10 AM |
| Yabuli Culture Post Office | 9:30 AM | 11:30 AM |
| Erlanghe Village | 10:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
| China Snow Town | 12:30 PM | 2:30 PM |
(This schedule is for the 2024-2025 snow season. For the latest 2025 timetable, please check the official announcements or contact Asia Odyssey Travel for current travel info and packages.)
How to Book Your Bus Ticket Online (Using WeChat)
In China, many services are built directly into the WeChat app. The easiest way to buy your bus ticket is through a "Mini Program."
Think of it as a small app that runs inside the main WeChat app. You don't need to download anything new from an app store. It's the standard way people in China book tickets, order food, and much more.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Open WeChat and tap the search icon at the top.
- Find the Program: Type or copy and paste 龙悦出行 into the search bar. Select the result that says "Mini Program" under its name.
- Book Your Ticket: The program will open inside WeChat. From there, you can check the live schedule and buy your ticket. Set your route from Harbin (哈尔滨) to China Snow Town (中国雪乡).
Important Tip: Important Tip: Booking usually requires payment with WeChat Pay. If you don't have it set up, the simplest solution is to ask a local friend, the staff at your hotel, or a travel service like Asia Odyssey Travel for help.
Departure Locations in Harbin
- Central Avenue (Jiaotou Xinxuan Store): 6 Central Avenue, Daoli District, Harbin (哈尔滨道里区中央大街 6 号)
- Songhua River Ropeway (Swan Castle): 218 Tongjiang Street (通江街 218 号)
The bus will drop you off right at the main entrance of the China Snow Town scenic area. The first bus returning to Harbin from Snow Town leaves daily at 9:00 AM.
Harbin to China Snow Town via Yabuli: Fastest Way, Transfer Needed
To be honest, we don't usually recommend trips that involve transfers. This is especially true if you're traveling with heavy luggage.
Even though taking the bullet train is theoretically the fastest way, we still suggest avoiding the transfer for this journey. While the train can save you an hour or two, you have to perfectly time all your connections.
However, we are sharing this option for one simple reason: Yabuli Ski Resort is a fantastic place and well worth a stopover. As China's largest and most famous ski destination, it has something for everyone.
You'll find gentle slopes perfect for families and first-timers, alongside challenging, world-class runs that have hosted major international competitions like the Asian Winter Games. Breaking up your travel to spend a day or two here can turn a simple transfer into a highlight of your trip.
Step 1: Bullet Train from Harbin to Yabuli West Station (约 1.5 hours)
You’ll start by taking a high-speed train from Harbin Station (哈尔滨站) to Yabuli West Station (亚布力西站). This part of the trip is quick, modern, and very comfortable.
Step 2: Car/Bus from Yabuli West Station to China Snow Town (约 2 - 2.5 hours)
When you arrive at Yabuli West, you will need to take a pre-booked private car or a bus for the rest of the journey. Directly across from the station, you can find tourist buses and taxis that go to China Snow Town.
The China Snow town is about 100 kilometers from Yabuli, and the drive takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.
Harbin to Yabuli Train: Reach Yabuli Ski Resort in 1.5h
Where to Stay in China Snow Town
As you can see from the travel times, the journey to China Snow Town takes 5 to 6 hours one-way. This makes a day trip from Harbin impossible. You will need to stay at least one night, but this is actually the best part of the trip.
When the sun sets, the whole village transforms. The iconic red lanterns on every snow-covered roof begin to glow, creating a warm, enchanting light that reflects off the snow. Staying overnight is essential to experiencing the fairy-tale atmosphere that makes this place so famous.
Snow Town offers various accommodation types. Prices vary wildly by season. Peak season runs from December to February. Expect to pay 300-1500 RMB per night then.
Three Main Options
Traditional kangs are the authentic choice. These are heated brick beds. Families share large kang rooms. Very warm and cozy. Perfect for experiencing local culture. Usually includes breakfast.
Modern hotels provide familiar comforts. Private bathrooms and heating. Some have English-speaking staff. Prices start at 400 RMB in winter. Book well ahead during Chinese New Year.
Homestays offer middle-ground options. Local families rent spare rooms. More personal than hotels. Often include home-cooked meals. Hosts share local stories and tips.
Location matters in Snow Town. Stay near Xueyun Street for convenience. This main road has restaurants and shops. Hotels here fill up fastest. Book at least two weeks ahead.
Well-Planned Harbin to China Snow Town Itinerary to Inspire Your Trip
Want to see most of the China Snow Town? This 6-day trip is the perfect winter adventure, combining the best of Harbin, Yabuli, and China Snow Town into one amazing itinerary.
You'll start by exploring the incredible ice sculptures at Harbin's famous festival and see Siberian tigers up close.
Then, you'll hit the slopes at Yabuli Ski Resort for some beginner-friendly skiing fun. After that, it’s off to the magical China Snow Town before returning to Harbin for a final city tour and your flight home. It’s a complete plan that makes sure you see all the highlights.
Here’s a look at what your trip could be like:
Day 1: Harbin Arrival
Day 2: Harbin Ice and Snow Festival Tour (Siberian Tiger Park, Sun Island, Harbin Ice and Snow World)
Day 3: Harbin to Yabuli Ski Resort (3-hour Beginner Skiing Experience)
Day 4: Yabuli to China Snow Town (Snowy Street, Observation Deck)
Day 5: China Snow Town to Harbin (Sunrise, Dream Home)
Day 6: Harbin City Tour & Departure (Winter Swimming Show, Saint Sophia Cathedral, Stalin Park, Central Street, Lao Daowai)
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